An oceanside pool and multipurpose public space in Port Melbourne has become the focus of architecture practice Wowowa, who have launched a crowdfunding campaign to get the proposed facility off the starting blocks.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched by Melbourne architecture practice Wowowa in a bid to get a saltwater pool complex constructed in Port Melbourne. The design for the facility includes an Olympic-size lap pool together with smaller wading pools set on the beachfront. On a site adjacent to the Port Melbourne Yacht Club, the proposed facility also includes a larger plan for a multipurpose community centre and the creation of a grassed roof for the existing carpark.

Inspiration for the grassed-roof carpark stems from the experiences of Monique Woodward of Wowowa Architecture. “I went to Cottesloe [in Western Australia] recently and they’ve got those amazing grassed stairs on the beach,” she said. “It’s really cool because you can enjoy the beach without having a towel. So [we’ve proposed] to cover the carpark from above and actually form a green space to look out from.”

The project renderings are the work of Wowowa together with Andre Bonnice, and were created at the behest of Rohan Cresp, a passionate local who is trying to reinstate the notion of an iconic seaside pool, which was first suggested by the City of Port Phillip 20 years ago. Not only would the new pool facility provide an opportunity for locals to gather, it would also serve as a visual gateway to welcome incoming cruise ships and ferry passengers coming in from Tasmania, increasing the port’s international profile.

This idea has garnered a great deal of community support, according to Woodward. “People were really excited about that grassed area at the beach because obviously it’s not [always] warm. So it becomes more like a park that you could use in spring and autumn when you wouldn’t take a towel with you to the beach. That was really well received.”

In a bid to undertake a feasibility study that would in turn hopefully capture local and state government funding for the project, Wowawa has launched a crowd-funding campaign to raise $15,000. While not a common practice for most architects, Wowowa has a history of self-funded projects. Open until 30 September, the Port Melbourne campaign is still seeking funds. To support the project CLICK HERE.